Australian Mole Cricket vs Elegant Cave Cricket

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Mole Cricket Elegant Cave Cricket
Scientific Name Gryllotalpa pluvialis Ceuthophilus elegans
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Gryllotalpidae Rhaphidophoridae
Size 30-45 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Caves
Diet Root Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Australia United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Mole Cricket

A native Australian mole cricket that emerges from the soil in large numbers after heavy rains. It is attracted to lights on warm, wet nights.

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Did You Know?

Its species name pluvialis means rain-loving, referring to its habit of mass emergence after heavy downpours.

Elegant Cave Cricket

A moderately-sized cave cricket found in caves and dark sheltered areas across the eastern United States. It has a mottled brown body pattern.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, it is also commonly found in basements and crawl spaces.